Become a Volunteer image
Purpose
The mission of the CASA volunteer is to monitor and follow a child’s case through the juvenile court system; to provide an independent voice from the community who speaks up for the best interests of their assigned child; to help ensure that the child is in a secure, secure, supportive, permanent home.

Requirements
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
  • Have a current Kansas driver’s license and be properly insured.
  • Complete a written application, sign consents for a KBI security clearance and a DCF Central Registry clearance.  Provide three references other than relatives.
  • Pass screening eligibility according to Supreme Court Rule #110:
    • reference check
    • national security clearance, including fingerprinting
    • DCF Central Child Abuse Registry clearance
    • screening interview
  • Participate in at least 30 hours of a 35-hour training.  Must review information from missed training sessions with trainer prior to case assignment.
  • Observe court sessions for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Indicate ability to be objective, to function professionally, and to act out of concern for the welfare of the child as the primary motivation.
  • Will not discriminate or display attitudes of a discriminatory nature.
  • Respect the right to privacy by keeping confidential any information that would identify parties involved in CASA cases.  Must abide by the program’s policy of  confidentiality.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Will be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least 1 year.
  • Agree to follow the policies and procedures of CASA of Cowley County relating to volunteers.

Duties
  • Advocate at all times for the best interests of the child.
  • Take Oath of Confidentiality.
  • Sign Statement of Commitment and take Oath of Appointment as soon as possible after accepting a case.
  • Read court social and legal files pertaining to case. Read other available records and files pertaining to case.
  • Interview DCF and/or their contracting foster care agency workers, parents, foster parents, court services officer, child, and other interested parties.
  • Explain the CASA role to all parties unfamiliar with the CASA program.
  • Maintain regular contact with the child a minimum of 2 times per month.
  • When appropriate, encourage family to work toward the goals of the Case Plan, and/or orders set forth by the court.
  • Contact the DCF social worker and/or social workers of contracting agencies and the court services officer, if applicable, at least once a month.
  • Attend all court hearings and scheduled case planning conferences pertaining to the child.
  • Encourage permanency planning.
  • Monitor whether court’s orders are being followed.
  • Keep accurate and complete documentation of all contacts and interviews.
  • Consult with the CASA Director at least once per month; submit monthly Volunteer Activities Form to CASA office by the 10th day of the following month.
  • Attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education in-service per year.
  • After consulting with the CASA Director, write a Report to the Court at least 5 days in advance of the hearing. The CASA Director will submit the report to the court and the other interested parties.
  • Consult with the CASA Director regarding problems, concerns, or questions that arise during the case.
  • Immediately report to DCF and the CASA Director any suspected child abuse or neglect.
  • Remain actively involved in the case until a permanent solution has been reached or the court dismisses the case.

Apply to be a Volunteer:
https://forms.gle/sHYxcS3tgz2p7Z3j8